Obituaries

Shirley L. Chilson, age 93 of Lawrenceville passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro.

Born July 6, 1931 in Lycoming County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Frances Harvey. Shirley married H. Lewis Chilson and they were lifelong business partners of Chilson Motors. Their hard work earned Chilson Motors top honors as the nation’s highest rated Jeep dealership for two years in a row. She loved spending time in the business with Lew, her home and flowers, traveling with their friends and enjoyed the winter months in Lake Wales, FL.

Timothy P. Stratton, age 63 of Bradford, NY passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, September 19, 2024 with his family by his side. Born January 22, 1961 in Elmira, NY, he was the son of Edgar and Janet (Green) Stratton.

He retired from Custom Mix Concrete, where he drove truck and painted the mixers. He loved working with concrete, watching Nascar, going to the local dirt tracks and restoring and painting old cars. Tim volunteered at the Bradford NY Volunteer Fire Department.

William L. Simons, AKA “Billy” or “Wolf”, age 66 of Westfield passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Williamsport Hospital. Born July 25, 1958 in Blossburg, he was the son of the late Leland and Jean (Norwood) Simons. 

Billy loved hunting and fishing, playing Nintendo games and cards, watching wrestling and he loved to cook.  He was into martial arts and was a talented artist, who could draw any picture. 

He is survived by his siblings, Ronald Simons, Carol Perry, Ricky Simons, David Simons and Tina and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield.  

Dana L. Skiver “Loving Father, Grandfather & Brother”

 Dana L. Skiver of 2476 Wolf Creek Road, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at his home. 

 Dana was born May 13, 1952, in Olean and was the son of Howard Allan and Vivian Patricia Garfield Skiver. On August 28, 1976, in Bolivar he married the love of his life Laura M. Kuhn who predeceased him on January 17, 2024. 

Lloyd E. McGraw, 97, of Lindenwood Drive, Emporium, died Sunday, September 22, 2024 in Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital. 

 Lloyd was born November 25, 1926, in West Bakersfield, California, the son of Lynn and Elise Heck McGraw, grew up in East Bakersfield and graduated from Bakersfield High School. 

 On January 19, 1949, in Emporium, he married Barbara Schnee who died November 29, 2012.  A veteran of WWII having served in the US Army, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church, now Endless Mountains Methodist Church in Emporium, and was a 33-degree Mason and a member of the Coudersport Consistory. In 1991 he retired from GTE Sylvania, formerly Sylvania Electric in Emporium, where he was employed as a machinist. 

Brian Drew Leidy, 74, of Wellsboro, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 22, 2024, at UPMC-Wellsboro.  He was born September 15, 1950, in Roaring Spring, the son of the late Robert G. and Mary Ellen (Blattenberger) Leidy.  Brian married the former Deborah Foster on September 5, 1970, and they have celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Brian was a graduate of Hollidaysburg High School, Class of 1968.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mansfield State College, his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Marywood University and his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Human Service Studies from Cornell University.   Brian was a Senior Research Associate for Cornell University, and recently earned his Emeritus Status. 

Bonnie L. Hooftallen, 43, of Emporium, passed away on Monday (September 23, 2024) at her home in Emporium, surrounded by her family.

She was born April 7, 1981 in Port Allegany, the daughter of David Haggard, Sr. and Ilene (Main) Kamets. On September 18, 2021, in Port Allegany, she married Jesse Hooftallen, who survives.

Bonnie was a secretary, employed by Andrew’s Auto Sales and Service for 18 years retiring in 2024.

John Van Street, 95, of Tucson, Arizona, entered his Heavenly home on Friday, September 13, 2024 in Tucson, AZ following an illness of the past few months.

He was born September 9, 1929, in Bethlehem, PA, a son of the late Anton and Florence (Moyer) Van Street.

In January of 1954, John married the late Pearl Van Street, who preceded him in death on December 11, 2021.  Together they shared nearly 68 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

Services for Jack Taylor announced:

Jackson J. “Jack” Taylor, 74, of Coudersport, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at UPMC – Cole, Coudersport.  Jack was born on August 17, 1950, the son of the late Earl I. Taylor and Flossie E. (Pilon) Nichols, of Coudersport. 

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held, September 28, from 2-4 pm at the Roulette Fire Hall, 12 River St., Roulette.  Memorial contributions in Jack’s name can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family has entrusted Jack’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

Gerald W. “Gerry” Ullrich, 72, of Warren, PA., died Monday evening, September 23, 2024, at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital, Jamestown, New York. 

A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Diane S. MacKenzie, 73, of Clarendon, died on Monday, September 23, 2024, in her home after a brief illness.

She was born November 21, 1950, in Ridgeway, PA, the daughter of the late Stanford and Becky Anderson. Diane was a graduate of Warren Area High School Class of 1968. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking, hosting holiday gatherings, loved racing, and spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she was a devoted volunteer helping with church dinners, and fundraisers.

She married William H. Mackenzie on June 6, 1969, in St. Paul Lutheran Church who passed April 24, 2017, after 48 years of marriage.

Myron Bert Carpenter, 70, of Marienville, PA, died on Monday, September 23, 2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in New Castle, PA, on June 21, 1954, the son of the late Chester and Margaret Carpenter. Myron worked as a self-employed carpenter and worked many jobs in New Jersey. Myron loved to go fishing. He enjoyed gardening around his home and  had the best green thumb. He also had a joy for card games and loved poker and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mary E. (Moore) Punt, age 67, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024. Born on April 27, 1957, in Bradford, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Eugenia (Doriguzzi) Moore. 

Mary spent much of her life working in the food service industry, where she was known for her hard work and kind heart. In her free time, she found joy in simple pleasures—whether it was enjoying a cup of coffee, getting lost in a good book, or traveling to new places. Above all, Mary cherished the moments spent with her family and friends, who brought her the greatest happiness.

Lynn E. “Skip” Snyder           

Lynn E. “Skip” Snyder, 77, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 23, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long illness.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Jean L. Niles, 92, of Wellsboro passed away on September 22, 2024, at the Green Home. She was born February 19, 1932, in Bloomsburg to Homer Sneidman and Beatrice Sweigart.

Jean attended Empire Beauty School in Williamsport, she owned her own Beauty Shop for many years, frequently doing hair for the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home. Jean was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wellsboro and worked at the Bloomsburg Fair with her sister Nancy for many years. She loved her family and enjoyed playing bingo.

Bonnie D. (Krsek) Yungwirth, age 81, of Galeton, PA, died on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

She was born on December 27, 1942, a daughter of the late Vincent and Alverda (Lark) Krsek, Jennie “Dolly” Lane and was the wife of the late Robert Yungwirth.  Bonnie was retired from Osram / Sylvania, Wellsboro, PA and was an avid bingo player, enjoyed going to the Galeton Senior Center and was a past member of the Moose.  She was always willing to help others and dearly loved and cared for all of her pets. 

She is survived by sons: Bill Makin of FL, Aaron (Jo) Yungwirth of Galeton, PA, daughter-in-law: Toni Makin of Wellsboro, PA, 7 grandchildren: David Makin, Adam Yungwirth, Jessica Yungwirth, Alyssa Yungwirth, William Makin, Kate Makin, Joseph Makin and 5 great grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by a son: Steven Makin. 

Services will be private and are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.

Bonnie L. Hooftallen, 43, of Emporium, passed away on Monday (September 23, 2024) at her home in Emporium, surrounded by her family.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany

Mary A. Rotar, 90, of James City, passed away Thursday (Sept. 19) at UPMC-Hamot.  Born Sept. 19, 1934 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Louis and Maria (Fabec) Rotar.

Mary had worked at many places throughout her life, including Holgate, Olympic Luggage, the Lutheran Home at Kane, the Nansen, the Flaming Sword, Kane Country Club and Affiliated Industries, from which she retired.  She was a member of St Callistus Catholic Church.  Mary loved spending time with her family and with the very close friends she had.  She also loved to travel.

She is survived by one niece, Shelley (Dan) Brinkley of Kane; one nephew, Mitch (Tracy) Rotar of Kane; a great-nephew, Shane (Casey) Brinkley; a great-niece, Ariel (Paul) Eastman; two great great-nieces, Gracyn Brinkley and Gabriella Eastman; one great great-nephew, PaulDaniel Eastman and several cousins, including Monica Maghrak and Michele Maghrak-Ford.

Paul “Ted” Bullers , 72, of Lake City, died on Friday, September 20, 2024, peacefully at home.

He was born on August 31, 1952, in Ridgway, the son of the late Chester J. and Grace E. Hawk Bullers.

On December 24, 1984, he married the late Troyann Stahl, who preceded him in death on September 15, 1992.

Diana Marie (Dean) Smith, of Galeton, PA, born March 4, 1945 to Mary Jordan and Ronald Dean Sr., passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024.

Diana was born in Port Allegany, PA, where some of her most treasured memories were made in the garden with her Grandpa Fred. She was later raised on Germania Street in Galeton. Her childhood days were largely spent in nature marveling at the birds and playing down by the river with her best friend, Lucille. She kept that wild spirit into adulthood and never stopped finding beauty in the outdoors. She was married to, and divorced from, the late Roger Smith. Diana was, at heart, both fiercely independent and a steadfast caregiver, who loved spending time with others.

Joanne M. Vecellio, 90, formerly of Rutherford Run, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Bradford Manor.

She was born on July 16, 1934 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Rose Basile Magnella.

She was a 1952 graduate of the former St. Bernard School.

On February 5, 1955 in the St. Bernard Catholic Church; she married Leo L. Vecellio who preceded her in death on May 4, 2017.

Barbara A. TREGLOWN, 86, of Sunderlinville, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, PA and Wellsville, NY, died Thursday, September 19, 2024 in her home.  Born May 5, 1938, in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of John Minici and Marie Greer.  

She was employed by Home Décor for ten years.  Barbara was a member of St. Veronica Catholic Church in Philadelphia and Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville.

Shirley Kelly

Shirley J. Kelly, 88, Warren, PA., passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie, PA., after a brief illness. 

Shirley was born in Sheffield, (Hastings) PA., on August 31, 1936.  She was the daughter of Harry and Gertrude Ewing Fair. 

Shirley was educated in Sheffield schools.  She spent her working life at Sylvania of Warren retiring in 1994, after many years of service.  Shirley was a devout member of First Methodist Church of Warren.  She often helped secure communion bread for the early weekly service for several years. 

Jeanette Bosko

Jeanette M. Bosko, 68, of Warren, PA., died unexpectedly Friday morning, September 20, 2024, after natural causes.

The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Judith C. Martin, 81, of Emporium, PA passed away at her residence Emporium, PA on Wednesday afternoon (September 18, 2024),  following a lengthy illness, with her husband by her side.

She was born September 16, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA a daughter of the late Albert and Mariann Tippet Wood and was born again 1956. On November 23, 1963 in Erie, PA she married James M. Martin, who survives.

Judy was a homemaker most of her life and for a short time drove school bus and the ATA bus. She was a member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church and the Alliance Women and a lifetime member of the NRA.

Stephen M. Colburn:  Loving Husband and Friend

Stephen M. Colburn, 76, of Cuba Lake, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Olean General Hospital after a short illness.

Born on June 17, 1948, in Cuba, he was a son of Alfred L. and Isabel E. Moore Colburn.  On November 11, 1978, in Lackawanna, he married the former Paula L. Pozder who survives.

Angeline F. Colwell, 97, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Monday afternoon (September 16, 2024) surrounded by her family. She was born June 20, 1927 in Emporium, PA a daughter of the late Domenico and Giovanna “Jenny” Fragale Fapore. On September 20, 1947 in Emporium, PA she married the late Robert B. Colwell.

She graduated from Emporium High School. She retired from the Port Allegany School District where she was a secretary for many years. Following her retirement she worked as a secretary/receptionist for Dr. Richard Kunkle DDS for several years. She was a member of the Port Allegany Women’s Club, McKean County Republican Women’s Club, Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Women’s Club and Religious Education Program, Smethport Traveling Golf Club and she had been a member of Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Port Allegany, and most recently a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Emporium.

Thomas A. SPICER, 56, of Mechanicsburg, PA, formerly of Whitesville, NY, died Monday, September 16, 2024 in Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, PA.  Born September 21, 1967, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of Richard Loren and Vira D. Witter Spicer.  

On March 12, 1988, in Genesee, he married the former Michelle R. Buchholz, who survives.  A graduate of Whitesville Central School, he was employed as a truck driver by Hess Trucking Company and SFI Trucking.  Tom was a member of Teamsters Local #776 and Thousand Trails Bike Club.  He loved camping and riding his Harley-Davidson.  

Shirley Kelly, of Warren, PA., died Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA. 

A complete obituary will be announced through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Daniel R. Slater, Sr., 72, of Hedgehog Lane passed away Wednesday, September 18th, at his residence.

Born February 12, 1952, in Kane, he was the son of the late Sidney D. and Vinnie (Lawton) Slater. He attended Bradford High School.

On October 6, 1973, in Virginia he married Bonnie S. Anthony Slater who preceded him in death on January 16, 2022.